The Decipherment of Linear A: KE Zb 3

A course-ware cup

KE Scribe unknown

The Cycladic island of Kea or Keos (modern Tzia) is located 60 km (37.5 miles) southeast of Athens. During the Bronze Age, Kea was a Minoan settlement at the site now known as Aghia Irini [“Kea”]. Among this site’s LinA inscriptions is a course-ware cup that bears a single word. Course ware is distinguished from fine ware for its domestic use.

Notes: Of the approximately 28 definitions given for this word, alcohol or sake is supported by the linear-script sign, AB *067 KI, which resembles a rhyton. The second definition may indicate undiluted alcohol, or a crude, course-ware cup, or, perhaps, both.

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